Addressing sexual health is necessary, according to Shirley Weir, founder of MenopauseChicks.com, in order for women to enjoy optimal physical

& mental health, healthy relationships and quality of life.

Weir is calling on women and health care providers to discard old stereotypes associated with talking about sex and menopause, and instead she wants to empower women to get as informed as possible, ask for help, know they are not alone and understand there are evidence-based solutions available.

"During perimenopause (the phase of hormone fluctuation leading up to menopause which can begin in mid-to-late thirties) women will sometimes notice changes to libido and sexual desire," says Weir. "This is a common experience, but it isn't yet common knowledge."

Weir is the manager of a popular online community on Facebook that empowers women to navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence and ease.

"After menopause, some women may continue to experience low libido and they might also experience vaginal dryness, pain with sex, incontinence or organ prolapse. The reason this is so important to address," says Weir, "is that many of these conditions will not get better with time or on their own."

Options available for women include pelvic floor physiotherapy, hormonal and non-hormonal treatments and practicing mindfulness.

The first step is often the most difficult, and that is talking about it. Weir wants women to have a safe place to ask questions, to put their own sexual health at the top of their to-do lists and to prioritize self-pleasure, orgasms and pelvic health in the same way they would prioritize other aspects of their midlife health. Because it is common for women not to mention sexual health to their family doctor unless the doctor asks first, Weir hopes that more conversations about women's midlife sexual health will help to eradicate any shame. The vagina is just as important as any other body part and health care professionals want to help.

About Menopause Chicks:MenopauseChicks.com empowers women to navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence and ease. Founder, Shirley Weir is on a mission to connect women to unbiased information, to midlife health professionals—and to each other, through her private online community. As a women's health advocate, Shirley is reframing the menopause conversation from something that has been traditionally viewed as negative, into a milestone worthy of celebration. Shirley, along with 13 women's health professionals, has a new book coming out on October 24 called MOKITA: How to Navigate Perimenopause with Confidence and Ease.

About World Menopause DayWorld Menopause Day is held every year on the 18th of October to raise awareness of women's midlife health.

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